Levon's Divine Underground — Attraction in Arinj

Levon's Divine Underground is a testament to the power of a single individual's determination and vision. This incredible subterranean network, carved entirely by hand beneath a home in the village of Arinj, showcases what can be achieved when a person is driven by an unyielding purpose. The story begins in 1985 when Levon Arakelyan's wife (whom we met) simply asked him to dig a potato cellar. But what started as a simple request transformed into a 23-year-long obsession. Working almost every day, often for up to 18 hours, Levon chiseled his way through solid rock using only a hammer and chisel. He was guided by what he described as a "divine voice" or visions, and without any blueprints, he created a complex labyrinth of rooms, corridors, and spiral staircases reaching a depth of 21 meters. Sadly, he passed away in 2008 while still working on his masterpiece. A Tale of Two Visionaries The sheer willpower behind Levon's creation is remarkably similar to the story of Ferdinand Cheval, the French postman. Like Levon, Cheval was a humble man driven by a grand, almost-unbelievable dream. For 33 years, Cheval spent his daily postal rounds collecting stones and pebbles, which he then used to build his fantastical "Ideal Palace" in Hauterives, France. His work was also a solitary, self-taught endeavor, and he faced skepticism from his neighbors. Both men demonstrate that true artistry and architectural genius can emerge from the most unexpected places and do not require formal training or sophisticated tools. Their shared legacy is a powerful reminder that with immense patience, sacrifice, and unwavering belief, a single person can accomplish something truly monumental and everlasting. Levon's Divine Underground is more than just a cave; it's a profound monument to human spirit...

Unforgettable experience inside the cave, just under the usual village house. It feels even more incredible when you understand that the only man built it. I went there by bus, you can download A2B app to know which bus to take and where to get off. I explored the nearby area and people there are pretty friendly. I didn't call anyone in advice, just went and knocked the door with a signboard. Levon's family is living inside, so somebody will open for sure. His daughter gave me a tour in the cave (it's pretty deep, really), telling the history of its construction and some family stories from those times. After the tour, when we climb up back, grandma (Levon's wife) invite me for a cup of tea with some homemade snacks. She can't speak Russian or English, but still can have a small talk (her daughter can translate, thanks). I like this home feeling, talking with positive people, and having a great tour comemorating...

I met levons wife,he died abt 10 years before,she said she wanted a place to store pickles and vegetables for winter,so asked him to dig a small place.But when levon's started digging the place he found there is a rock beneath his house,so started digging the place for 23 yrs,all alone and made a beautiful tunnels and constructed like small palace beneath his house.(abt 2 to 3 floors below the ground level.)Also there is a small museum in his house abt his instruments and clothes used for digging.In his courtyard, he has painted his wife's pic on one wall and other wall his pic,showing his eternal love for his wife.Its most beautiful and unusual place and who visit the Armenia, must visit his place without fail.This place is very near,i.e. abt 10km away from Yerwan. There are tourist information everywhere,but very little people know abt this place.so must visit and appreciate the great work...